Happy Hour at Cornelius in Prospect Heights: $1 Oysters

June 4, 2010

Happy hours tend to be skewed to boozehounds. But what about those of us who like to get high on life (and oysters)? The happy hour at Cornelius on Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights, named for the Staten Island-born tycoon for whom the whole street is named, is a happy hour for sensualists. In fact, it’s two happy hours: Tuesday through Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. till closing, raw oysters with all the trimmings are $1. Wash it down with $4 beer.

The scene …

The oysters are local, the beer is craft, and the air of the room civilized at this neighborhood hangout. Budget-conscious and epicurean types share the space, seeming quietly pleased with themselves for discovering the deal. If you’re the type of spender prone to justification, you might allow yourself an expertly prepared cocktail (at full price) as a reward for the bargain bivalves. The bartender specializes in classics such as Manhattans and martinis, and the chef in Southern-inflected bar food. Because after a dozen discounted oysters, you’ve probably earned yourself a pulled pork slider or two.